Everyone has a Gunflint Trail story to tell. In 2005, the Gunflint Trail Historical Society (GTHS) formed to preserve those stories. During its first five years, the GTHS restored and converted the old Chik-Wauk Lodge -- located on Saganaga Lake, 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais -- into Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. The museum opened on July 4, 2010 and to date has welcomed more than 43,000 visitors.

2014 Highlights:

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center's fifth season attracted more than 7500 visitors.

Visitors helped assist the struggling monarch butterfly population when they picked up milkweed seeds (the monarch's host plant) from this year's temporary exhibit, Butterflies, Skippers, and Moths of the Gunflint Trail.

At Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, visitors discover the story of the Gunflint Trail through interactive displays, videos, and a reading library. Exhibits focused on seven key groups of people in the region: Prehistoric, Native Americans, Voyageurs, Miners, Loggers, Resorters, and Current Residents. The museum is ADA accessible, kid-friendly, and open every day, Memorial Day weekend through MEA weekend in mid-October.

Explore.

A network of hiking trails crisscross Chik-Wauk's 50 acre grounds of wetlands, wildfire regeneration, and granite ridges. You'll find year-round opportunities for birding, berry picking, wildflower viewing, and even moose spotting on these trails. Two of Chik-Wauk's seven nature trails are ADA accessible. During the summer, the museum offers a variety of naturalist programs, including nature hikes and kids' activities.

Grow.

The GTHS continues to move forward with its mission of preserving Gunflint Trail history. The Society actively works to develop historical archives, design new interpretative displays, and conduct oral history interviews. The GTHS Board of Trustees is currently developing plans for a nature center building which will house permanent exhibits on the Gunflint Trail’s natural history, as well as provide presentation space for naturalist programs in addition to much needed storage and office space.

This year, all Give to the Max Day donations will go into the general fund to support everyday operations at the museum unless you specify a different use for your donation in the dedication field in Step 1 of your donation. If you would like your donation to be applied to your GTHS membership, please write "GTHS membership" in the dedication field in Step 1 when making your donation.

Your support strengthens the Gunflint Trail Historical Society. Thank you for keeping Gunflint Trail history alive!